Technique Training

Dribbling Moves

This aspect of training must be addressed in your time away from a team setting.  There is nothing like mastering a new dribbling skill or juggling trick to boost your confidence.  Then school your friends on your new techniques!

Let’s start with some basic dribbling moves.  I’ve located a number of excellent technique videos and more on the UEFA web site.  Check it out if you want more.  Practicing these moves can also act as fitness training.  Add sprinting elements, add core work and strength elements, be creative to make a fun skill oriented intense training session of your own.

Start with my favorite, the Cruyff Turn.  The midfield master Johan Cruyff used this move in his stellar career at Ajax & Barcelona, along with his time on the Dutch National Team.  Practice with both feet as well.  Move slowly at first, then pick up speed with a big deceptive kick to throw off the defender.

Also shown here is the Drag Back, which the UEFA site credits to Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina.  I think this move predates the young 20 year old striker.  Heck, I might even have used this move in my youth!  Again, practice this basic move with both feet.

This next move is a classic.  Created by Sir Stanley Matthews (video for your history buffs), it is his signature move that requires balancing on one foot while executing the move.

Let’s move on to some very simple, but very effective moves.  Watch both of these moves, the Outside Hook and the Inside Hook, practice with both feet.  Once these are in your arsenal of moves, you’ll be on your way to goal.

Most young players have seen the Step Over, and many have it mastered.  This video shows a Spain National Team player practicing the move, and some super quality footage of many others performing in game situations.

One of my favorite players of all time, despite his lapse of judgment in the 2006 World Cup, was known for his ball control skill and midfield mastery.  Check out the Zidane.  

One more that I think is a classic futsal move, was made famous by the Brazilian playmaker Rivaldo.  You’ll get some great futsal training when we get together in August.

There are some basic moves that are quite helpful.  They are quite easy to practice alone, and of course try them out in pickup games to hone your skills.  Have fun with these!